BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 23, 11 February 1937, Page 3

BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY

Our Own Correspondent

Central H.B. Branch Reviews Good Season

From

WAIPUKURAU, Last Night. The annual meeting of the Central Hawke's Bay branch of the British Music Society was held in the Rest Rooms, Waipukurau, on Tuesday evening. Mrs Gerald Wilson presided over a fairly large attendance of members and friends. .. . The hon. secretary, Mias G. Guilliard, submitted the following report: "The Central Hawke's Bay branch of the British Music Society has now completed its first season. I hardly need to tell you just what a successful season that has been, but the full measure of succesa will be apparent as the report proceeds. At the outset, the venture- was considered by some to be a hazardous - one in view of all the difficulties confronting the society,- ,but each obstacle has ' f ortunately been overcome most expeditiously, and the society has flourished' despite the gloomy predictions. " At the first annual meeting tlie the following groups were formcd: piano group, vocal group, string group, gramophone group. Later the . children 's ehoral group was formed. A very great deal of work has been accomplished by each of the group, al•though that of the church group calls for special mention in that, owing to' the shortage of male voices, this group has carried on for the past season aa a women 's glee with the most gratifying progress. The .leader, Mrs P. A. Riddle, is to be .congratulated upon her very capable management. "The piano group . has organised study evenings, devoting the time to one or more particular composers, and have had some delightful and intstructive entertainments amongst themgelves. The vocal group has also held meetings of all members interested in this work, and entertaining and instructive items have been rendered by a good number of those present. "As far as the tetring group is concerned, the work has been an .uphill effort owing to the inability to.secure more members who were prepared to lend their assistance in performing, but the progress has been steady, and it is hoped that the group will have a stronger xu#»bership for the coming season. ' . "I understand also "that we havo the keen interest of headquarters in our children 's group, as it appears to be an entirely new venture. The work of the children has been instructive and progressive, and it is hoped that this group also will grow much larger. A great deal of assistance has been rendered to the society in its every group by tbose ladies who have so willingly acted as accompanists. and thus made the work of the group leader a little leSs exacting. "The society were fortunate in being able to secure the use of the Women 's Rest Rooms, which have proved most (suitable in every way. The society cannot express too strongly its thanks to Mrs Paul Hunter for having lent her piano in the meantime, thus enabling us to carry on independently. The Women 's Rest Committee has genarously allow^ed us to store the piano at its rooms free of charge. "The society has held regular monthly performances, among which have been a concert by Hastings branch artists, one by the Foster-Hay-Drummond trio, and amother. by tho Napier Musicians' Society. The remainder of the concerts have been drawn from our own talent and have taken the form of varied programmes as well as a Schubert and a ModernS' evening. "For the past season the membership has been between 70 and 80, and I have pleasure in reporting there are no subscriptions outstanding. I wish oa behalf of my committee to thank most sincerely all the members who have lent their homes for uise and tbe abundant kindnesses shown us by members in supplying supper requirements and assisting in numero'us ways. We have been greatly helped by all members of the Press, and I wish to express our appreci'ation for- that. In conclusion, may I wish the society and each individual member all prosperity for the future. " The balance-sheet. disclosed that there Was a credit balance of £19 2/8. Tbe election of officers for the ensuing season resulted: Chairman, Mrs P. A. Riddle; committee, Mesdaines J. Braithwaite, J. H. Walker, Gerald Wilson, W. J. Gray, R. Scott, Mbssrs H. Cottrell, F. V. Ward, E. T. Haldane, C. Moor; joint secretaries, Mrs F. R. McWilliam, Miss M. Robiiison; vocal group, Mrs Gerald Wilson (leader) ; choral group, Mrs P. A. Riddle (leader); children 's group, Mesdalues G. Wilson and J. Braithwaite; string group, Mr Horace Cottrell (leader); Waipawa group, Mrs A., Rathbone. Mrs Gerald Wilson commented on the excellent report presented by the secretary, Miss G. Guilliard, and suggested that for the coming season each m6mber sbould endeavour to' bring along new members. ' Mrs Cottrell, who endorsed Mrs Wilson 's remarks, said that the society had filled a place in the community. It vras decided that 'the arranging of concerts for the coming season should be left in the hands of the cominittee. Before the meeting closed, Mrs Riddle passed a vote of thanks to Mesdames Braithwaite and Gray for lending their homes for group concerts a.nd for their valuable assistance towards the supper arrangements. A bearty vote of thanks wus also accorded to Mrs G. Wilton for all she had done for Ihe society.